Histone methyltransferase gene SETD2, a novel tumor suppressor gene in clear cell renal cell carcinoma

Abstract

Sporadic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (cRCC) is genetically characterized by the recurrent loss of 3p regions. Inactivation of the Von Hippel Lindau (VHL) gene, located on 3p26-p25, has been shown to play an important role in the development of cRCC. Inactivation of VHL results in accumulation of transcription factor HIF1-a, resulting in the activation of several pathways that promote tumour development. The recurrent loss of 3p21 suggests the presence of an additional important tumor suppressor gene in this region.